Just wondering if there are ever times when post mastectomy and post treatment it is impossible to offer any kind of re-construction?
Hi there,
I was really borderline for a delayed reconstruction simply and solely because I haven’t got enough fat on me!!!
I couldn’t have an LD recon because of a lack of fat and muscle on my back and I couldn’t have a DIEP because I’ve no fat on my tummy (yes I know there are loads of ladies out there saying “you lucky thing” but I tell you I really wish I had more fat as it would have made the whole journey a lot easier for me).
I eventually found a top class surgeon in Norwich who was prepared to take me on and do an IGAP (fat taken from the top of my thigh). It’s taking a long time (been two years now & I’m still not “finished”) but I’m getting there. I’m hoping to have my last lipofill sometime next month.
I have days when I wish I hadn’t bothered trying to go for a reconstruction but I have to try and keep focussed on the end result. I can’t wait for the day when I can buy a pretty bra again. It’s only that thought that keeps me going!
Lbx157
Hi
I would have struggled with a LD or DIEP recon, as I am quite slim. Luckily, my local hospital does Strattice Mesh recon’s (with a silicon implant). I had a skin-saving mx with immediate recon, so woke up from my mx with a new breast already in place.
I have yet to find out. The goal posts keep moving. On dx, I thought ok I’ll have an immediate recon. Was told no because I would need rads and it would spoil the recon. Then when I had my mx they kindly upgraded my cancer from grade 1 to grade 3 and decided I should have chemo. After chemo and rads I asked about recon and was told I couldn’t possibly have a serious operation while on herceptin. I will finish herceptin in June and now apparently I have to lose weight before I can have a recon. Why the f didn’t they tell me that before? Sorry, just really fed up that I will be 45 before I get back the boob I lost at 42.
Hi Nottsgal, don’t give up and get down love, i had left mastectomy in 2004, was told i could have recon straight away but a week before my op they called me in to say they couldn’t do it straight away because of radiotherapy i was upset to say the least! i was told leave it for at least 18months, i did! then made an appointment with a plastic surgeon, who told me i could never have reconstruction because of being slightly overweight, asthmatic, ulcerative colitis! i was distraught and so unhappy, took his word for it, but hated being the way i was! carried on with my 6monthly check ups and so on, then last July i met a surgeon who was gob-smacked to say the least that i hadn’t had recon when i wanted to! he didn’t even mention my weight!! he carried out some test bloods,ECG, and offered to put me on the list for a Tram flap, i am over the moon it should have been 24Th May but its been put back to 31st May bit cheesed off over that but hey its only another week, so don’t give up it will happen if you want it to and push for it, even ask for 2ND opinions wish i would have years ago, Lynn xx
It’s not possible for me to have a recon due to the risk of a recurrence. I hate being so lop-sided. Hate it, hate it, hate it.
I don’t understand why people are being told they cannot have an LD flap if they are slim. I am very slim, no fat on me, and have had a successful LD flap with implant.
Ninja - do you mind me asking why you have high risk of recurrence? I am sorry you feel so bad but I really understand it and know that in 3 days time I will be feeling the same as you as I feel it now just on thinking about it!
Sending you a big hug
x
Hi Sasha - because the surgeon and Oncy told me so! The cells they found were very aggressive and fast-growing, and in their experience, the particular type of cell that was found in me is very tenacious :o(
I was told I could not have an immediate or delayed recon as the general anaesthetic is so long and therefore unsuitable with for someone with lung damage. My lovely surgeon says if there are improvements lungwise, he is prepared to do a very delayed recon, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.